Is New Solar Charger Needed For 200 Amp Hour Lithium Battery

Published 11/22/2021

Question:

I want to convert my 20/22 Palomini rec trailer to lithium batteries. I presently have a 100 W solar panel with a 100ah acid battery. I would like to convert this to 200ah lithium batteries. must I change my solar charge controller and also my inverter? If I need to please list items I need and wiring diagram so I can purchase the correct items from you. I will have a 200W portable solar panel plus my 100W thanks

asked by: James S

Expert Reply:

I reached out to Go Power, who supplies most of our solar equipment, and they said a new solar controller is not necessarily needed for a 200 amp hour lithium battery.

They said newer controllers should have a lithium profile charging option, but even if it does not, older controllers with the AGM profile will still charge the battery, but it may not top it off. So if your current controller has a lithium profile you are good, otherwise I do recommend a controller designed for use with lithium batteries, the Go Power MPPT Solar Charge Controller # GP54FR.

As for the inverter, I'm not sure what you have now but so long as your current inverter has the necessary power output for wattage, a new one is not needed.

As far as wiring, I have added a link below to the installation instructions of the # GP54FR.

expert reply by: Kyle S